BANGKOK, THAILAND – A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake off Borneo in Malaysia had no impact on Thailand, according to national authorities, who confirmed there was no threat to the country.
Strong late-night quake off Borneo
The Thai Meteorological Department reported that the earthquake occurred on 22 February at 11:57 p.m. local time near the island of Borneo in Malaysia. The magnitude was measured at 7.1 on the Richter scale, which was classified as a strong earthquake.
Epicenter location and depth
According to the measurements, the epicenter was located at 6.870 degrees north latitude and 116.260 degrees east longitude. The tremor was recorded at a depth of 633 kilometers, indicating a very deep earthquake within the Earth’s interior.
Assessment of risk to Thailand
Meteorologists stated that the quake posed
“no risk to Thailand”
said the Meteorological Department, and had not triggered any noticeable effects in the country. The agency stressed that despite the high magnitude, there was no danger to Thai territory because of the great depth and distance of the event.
Second night-time advisory
In a further notice issued at 12:52 a.m. via the earthquake monitoring channel, the authority repeated its assessment of the situation. It explicitly emphasized that during this period there had been
“no severe earthquakes with an epicenter within the country”
said the Meteorological Department.